'Combating Autism' Act Renamed in Win for Advocacy Community

The law formerly known as the Combating Autism Act, which Congress is working to renew before it sunsets September 30, has been renamed the Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education. and Support (CARES) Act, after autism self-advocates said that the old name was hurtful and stigmatizing. Both the House and the Senate are considering versions of the bill.

The Autism Self-Advocacy Network said in a statement that the organization appreciated the name change, but were disappointed that the act under consideration for renewal does not have other provisions it supports, such as a focused effort on expanding employment opportunties for adults with autism, and research into underserved communities, such as women, girls, and racial and ethnic minorities with autism.

The act was first signed into law in 2006, and has allocated about $231 million annually to autism research since that time.

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